Non-Profit

The holiday season is bringing another opportunity for Cypress residents to celebrate while helping neighbors in need. Cy-Fair Helping Hands will host its 2026 Festival of Trees on Saturday, November 7, at Enchanted Cypress Ballroom, inviting the community to enjoy an evening of Christmas decorations, entertainment and fundraising in support of local individuals and families experiencing hunger and homelessness.

The event, scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m., will feature decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, dinner, dessert, live music, dancing, auction items, cocktails and mocktails, along with popular wine and whiskey pulls. A special VIP hour for sponsors will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.

But the Festival of Trees is about more than enjoying a holiday night out. Organizers are also inviting local families, businesses, churches and community groups to help create the displays themselves, turning a little holiday creativity into meaningful support for people right here in the Cy-Fair area.

A Cypress Holiday Fundraiser Supporting Neighbors in Need

Founded in 2010 by longtime Cy-Fair residents Jean and John Dreyer, Cy-Fair Helping Hands began with a simple effort to feed and assist people experiencing homelessness in northwest Houston. What started with soup served from the back of a pickup truck eventually grew into a nonprofit providing food, shelter-related assistance and other resources to struggling neighbors.

Today, the organization operates a community food pantry, homeless outreach services, a day center and programs supporting students and families in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD area. Its services also include emergency shelter assistance for families with children, educational support, mental health counseling and seasonal programs that help families celebrate holidays and prepare for the school year.

As a community-supported nonprofit, Cy-Fair Helping Hands depends on donations, volunteers and partnerships with local businesses, churches and residents to continue its work. The Festival of Trees is one of the ways those supporters can come together to help fund services that make a difference throughout the year.

How to Support the Festival of Trees: Decorate a Tree, Wreath or Donate an Auction Item

One of the most personal ways to participate in this year's Festival of Trees is by creating a decorated tree or wreath for the fundraiser.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands is encouraging individuals, families, coworkers, businesses, church groups and community organizations to get creative with a holiday or year-round theme. Decorated trees can be between 1 and 4 feet tall, must be artificial and include lights. Wreaths are also welcome, and decorations should be securely attached so the items can be safely transported and displayed.

Participants can decorate their creations at home or work, or join a special decorating session at the Cy-Fair Helping Hands facility, located at 9204 Emmott Road, Houston, TX 77040, on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For those looking for a little inspiration, the first 10 registered tree decorators will receive a free 4-foot flocked tree provided by Cy-Fair Helping Hands. Decorators are encouraged to bring their own supplies, including ornaments, craft materials and any tools needed to complete their designs.

All completed trees and wreaths must be delivered by Saturday, October 31. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or during the October 24 decorating session. The organization cannot accept items after October 31.

To ensure their contributions are recognized in the event program, donors must complete the Festival of Trees Donor Form by Monday, October 26. The form also allows participants to share the story behind their creations, whether that's a favorite holiday theme, handmade decorations or a tree designed in memory of someone special.

Those who would rather contribute something other than a tree or wreath can donate themed gift baskets, handmade items, gift certificates or other creative contributions for the silent auction. Donated items become the property of Cy-Fair Helping Hands and will be sold as part of the fundraiser.

Local businesses can also get involved through event sponsorships, with Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Table/Bronze sponsorship opportunities available. Supporters who cannot attend can still make a financial contribution.

Festival of Trees 2026: Event Details and Tickets

The Festival of Trees will take place at Enchanted Cypress Ballroom, 12603 Louetta Road, Cypress, TX 77429, on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Guests can attend the main celebration from 7 to 10 p.m., while event sponsors are invited to an exclusive VIP hour beginning at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available for individual guests or pairs, making the evening an option for a holiday date night, an outing with friends or a gathering with coworkers who want to support a local cause.

Residents interested in purchasing tickets, registering to decorate a tree or wreath, becoming a sponsor or donating an auction item can find information and registration links on the official Cy-Fair Helping Hands Festival of Trees website. Questions about donations and participation can be directed to info@cyfairhelpinghands.org. 

With the holidays approaching, the Festival of Trees gives the Cypress community a chance to enjoy the season while remembering neighbors who may be facing difficult circumstances. Whether someone contributes a handmade wreath, sponsors a table or simply attends the celebration, each act of participation helps support the work Cy-Fair Helping Hands carries out long after the Christmas decorations are put away.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Cypress holiday events, local fundraisers and opportunities to get involved in the Cy-Fair community.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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